Leading accounting academics from across Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and China met on 29 and 30 May at the Joint Universities Committee meeting, to discuss the future direction of the accounting profession.

The meeting included presentations and discussions with representatives from the industry sector.

A recent graduate was also present to discuss whether graduates are really work-ready, and what universities can do to better facilitate the transition from fulltime study to fulltime employment.

This one-of-a-kind event is organised by CPA Australia to facilitate better relationships between universities and the profession.

'CPA Australia values the role universities have in filling the skills shortage and maintaining the high standards of the profession,' said New South Wales director and organiser of the event, Ron Switzer.

'This event is an important opportunity for these academics to not only network with each other, but discuss the pressing issues that are facing the accounting profession. The link between universities, the industry and CPA Australia is important in order to foster ideas and to secure the future of the profession'.

Other issues discussed at the two-day forum included:

• how to attract high school students to accounting
• how academia can work with employers to produce industry relevant research
• international accounting standards
• how to address the limited supply of accountants
• current immigration requirements for international students applying for visas
• the implications of the government's higher education policies